NBA Mock Draft: Buying or selling 11 biggest trending draft rumors

NBA Draft Rumor: Dereck Lively jumping into lottery

There have been a few late draft risers in the last couple of weeks and one of the bigger surprises is Dereck Lively II. The 7-foot-1 center out of Duke is surely going to be a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft but there’s a growing narrative that he could be selected much higher than originally anticipated.

A recent mock draft by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has Lively being selected No. 16 overall. There are other recent mocks that have him rising all the way into the lottery. So much so that it’s an idea that we must discuss. One of the bigger reasons for his recent rise has been his workouts in which he’s proving the ability to stretch the floor with a consistent 3-point shot.

If Lively can sell to teams that he can stretch the floor with a 3-point shot as a 7-foot rim protector, there’s no question that he can be selected in the top 15 picks. However, it remains to be seen if that will end up being the case.

I think Lively will be a first-round pick. I don’t think he will be a lottery. I think he settles in the 18-22 range.

Verdict: Sell